Lysosomal enzymes in the lymphocytes and granulocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis.

The activities of three lysosomal enzymes were measured from the lymphocytes and granulocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis and of controls. The activity of acid phosphatase was increased in the granulocytes and that of beta-glucuronidase in the lymphocytes of MS patients in remission, as compared to those in relapse. No marked increases were observed in the activity of acid proteinase. These findings suggest that a number of lysosomal enzymes in both lymphocytes and granulocytes can be activated during demyelinating processes for reasons unknown at the moment.